How to Convert Cholesterol mmol/L to mg/dL
Cholesterol is reported in mmol/L in most countries and mg/dL in the US. Total, LDL and HDL cholesterol all convert with the same factor, 38.67, because they are the same molecule. Triglycerides are heavier and use 88.57.
mg/dL = mmol/L × 38.67 · mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ 38.67 mg/dL = mmol/L × 88.57 · mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ 88.57 Total Cholesterol Reference Ranges
| Category | mg/dL | mmol/L |
|---|---|---|
| Desirable | Below 200 mg/dL | Below 5.17 mmol/L |
| Borderline high | 200–239 mg/dL | 5.17–6.18 mmol/L |
| High | 240 mg/dL and above | 6.21 mmol/L and above |
LDL Cholesterol Reference Ranges
LDL is the main treatment target in most lipid guidelines. For LDL-focused examples, also see the LDL cholesterol conversion calculator.
| Category | mg/dL | mmol/L |
|---|---|---|
| Optimal | Below 100 mg/dL | Below 2.59 mmol/L |
| Near optimal | 100–129 mg/dL | 2.59–3.34 mmol/L |
| Borderline high | 130–159 mg/dL | 3.36–4.11 mmol/L |
| High | 160–189 mg/dL | 4.14–4.89 mmol/L |
| Very high | 190 mg/dL and above | 4.91 mmol/L and above |
HDL and Triglyceride Reference Ranges
HDL is "good" cholesterol — higher is better — while high triglycerides add risk. See the dedicated HDL cholesterol and triglycerides converters for component-specific detail.
| Marker | mg/dL | mmol/L |
|---|---|---|
| HDL — low (higher risk) | Below 40 mg/dL (men) / 50 (women) | Below ~1.0 / 1.3 mmol/L |
| HDL — protective | 60 mg/dL and above | 1.55 mmol/L and above |
| Triglycerides — normal | Below 150 mg/dL | Below 1.7 mmol/L |
| Triglycerides — high | 200–499 mg/dL | 2.3–5.6 mmol/L |
Total Cholesterol to HDL Ratio
The total cholesterol to HDL ratio (total ÷ HDL) is a useful risk summary. Because it is a ratio, it is identical in mmol/L or mg/dL — no conversion needed. Below about 5 is desirable, and below 3.5 is often considered optimal.
Worked Example
Suppose your total cholesterol is 6.2 mmol/L and you want mg/dL:
6.2 × 38.67 = 239.8 mg/dL 239.8 mg/dL sits at the top of the borderline-high band. A triglyceride of 1.7 mmol/L, by contrast, is 1.7 × 88.57 = 150.6 mg/dL.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you convert cholesterol mmol/L to mg/dL?
Multiply by 38.67 for total, LDL and HDL cholesterol. For example, 5.2 mmol/L equals about 201 mg/dL.
Do LDL and HDL use the same factor as total cholesterol?
Yes. Total, LDL and HDL cholesterol all use 38.67. Only triglycerides differ (88.57).
What total cholesterol is high?
240 mg/dL (about 6.2 mmol/L) or above is generally considered high; below 200 mg/dL is desirable.
Is the cholesterol ratio affected by units?
No. The total-to-HDL ratio is the same number whether values are in mmol/L or mg/dL.
References
- Omni Calculator — Cholesterol Units (lipid conversion factors).
- Cholesterol (total/LDL/HDL) factor 38.67; triglycerides 88.57 — standard clinical laboratory unit conversion (NCEP/ATP lipid reference ranges).
Conclusion
Converting cholesterol between mmol/L and mg/dL is ×38.67 for total, LDL and HDL, and ×88.57 for triglycerides. Use the converter above for any lipid component, then interpret the numbers against your targets with your healthcare provider.